Jockey Danny Mullins picked up a 14-day suspension after taking the ambulance at Bellewstown

Jockey Danny Mullins picked up a 14-day suspension at Bellewstown on Friday evening in unusual circumstances.

Barry Connell's retained rider had pulled up on his mount Private Treasure in the Anglo Printers Novice Hurdle but decided to drive the ambulance back to the weighing room.

Mullins explained to the stewards that he felt assistance was slow in coming forward and that in the heat of the moment he jumped into the Order of Malta vehicle so that he had time to weigh out for the following race.

Lt Norman Biggane, an Order of Malta representative, gave evidence and said that Mullins took the vehicle without consent and that nobody other than Order of Malta personnel are authorised or insured to drive the vehicle.

The stewards banned Mullins for 14 race days under Rule 272 which governs behaviour which is prejudicial to the integrity, conduct and good reputation of racing.

Mullins, who enjoyed a first Grade One win on Connell's Mount Benbulben at Punchestown in April and can look forward to the ride on Our Conor next season, is considering appealing the punishment.

He said: "I think we're going to appeal but I don't really want to say much more at this stage."